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Blood DisordersCancer

Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation can be lifesaving for children with certain cancers, blood disorders and immune system disorders. But the procedures that must be followed before and after a transplant are complicated and demanding. At the Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic, we are dedicated to preparing kids for a BMT transplant and providing the long-term follow-up care they need afterward.

Our team of transplant specialists evaluates whether your child is a transplant candidate and, if so, works to get your whole family ready for the BMT process. Because transplantation severely compromises immune function, we monitor our pediatric BMT patients closely. After the procedure, we see them at least once a week to check for infections and other complications and to assess their immune system's recovery.

This high-quality follow-up care is one reason our patients' survival rates one year after transplant are among the highest in the nation.

Expanding treatment options

Stem cells for transplant may be taken from the patient's blood or bone marrow (called an autologous transplant) or, more commonly, from a donor (an allogeneic transplant). Ideally, donors are family members who are "matched" to the patient, meaning certain markers in their immune cells are compatible with those of the patient. This reduces the risk that the patient's body will reject the transplant. However, our experts are skilled in using partially matched related donors (called haploidentical donors) when fully matched donors aren't available.

We also offer CAR T-cell therapy, a relatively new option for treating certain types of cancer when traditional approaches fail. In essence, the therapy supercharges the patient's immune system to help it recognize and destroy their cancer cells. We were the first medical center in California to offer CAR T-cell therapy to eligible children.

Our team is continually working to improve BMT care by conducting laboratory research as well as clinical trials. By joining a clinical trial, patients may be able to receive promising experimental treatments before they're available to the general public. If your child is a candidate for a clinical trial, the care team will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you and your family.

Awards & recognition

  • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Cancer, 2024-2025

    Best in Northern California for cancer care

  • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

    Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

  • Designated an early phase clinical trials core site by the Children's Oncology Group

  • Accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy

Our locations (3)

    Patient stories

    Meet UCSF's first CAR T-cell patient

    Shaun had been battling an aggressive leukemia for six years. When his care team recommended a new experimental treatment, his parents described it as "divine intervention."

    Highlights of our cancer care

    Leading-edge treatments

    We're among the first to offer new treatment options, as soon as they're proven safe and effective. In addition, patients can access promising experimental therapies by participating in one of our many clinical trials.

    Precision medicine

    High-risk tumors are analyzed with the UCSF500 Cancer Gene Panel, a state-of-the-art test that identifies mutations in the tumor's DNA. The results can indicate the best treatment course and, in some cases, clarify the exact type of cancer.

    Seamless care, near and far

    Dedicated patient navigators help families with managing referrals, insurance concerns and appointment planning. We work with patients and referring doctors well beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, thanks to our comprehensive telehealth system.

    Thorough follow-up

    Our Pediatric Survivorship Program provides expert care to address any medical, psychological or social issues that arise after treatment is complete. The team also ensures smooth transitions to adult care providers as our patients leave childhood behind.

    Our team

    Special programs

    Pediatric Blood Cancer Program

    The Pediatric Blood Cancer Program offers children comprehensive, world-class treatment for all childhood blood cancers. Learn more.

    Related conditions

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    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Beads of Courage

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    Camp Okizu

    This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    Our research initiatives

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      UCSF Division of Allergy, Immunology & BMT Research

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    • Early-Phase Clinical Trials at UCSF: Pediatric Cancer

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    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Pediatric Cancer Program's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

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